This autumn, Gemeentemuseum Den Haag explores the special and turbulent era of 19th century with a breathtaking exhibition entitled Romantic Fashions – Mr Darcy meets Eline Vere; bringing to life a range of fascinating fictional characters and featuring costumes from the time of classic films and legendary series among them Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, Eline Vere, Titanic and Downton Abbey, the show unfolds the vast imaginative appeal of the romanticism and gives insights into the day-to-day lives of 19th-century people.
Evening dress, collection Nature Extends, AW11 by Jantaminau
Glamorous accessories, tightly-laced corsets and original fashion prints complete the show and demonstrate the impact and development of fashion in 19th century, a period which has a profound effect in art and fashion design. Fashion played a fundamental role in the new social order since it was not anymore the privilege of the aristocracy but also the new elite of the so called “new rich” who dressed to show off their new money creating new trends made of eye-catching new fabric colours, and original female silhouettes while men fashion become less restricted as well.
Evening dress, haute couture collection SS98 by Jean Paul Gaultier
With assistance from the Prince Bernhard Culture Fund, many of the items have been restored and will be on show to the public for the very first time. Among the original items which are on display are the hat worn by Rose’s mother when she climbs into the lifeboat inTitanic; the wine red dress worn by Nicole Kidman in Portrait of a Lady; several dresses used in Downton Abbey, a set of Mr Darcy’s evening clothes and ball gowns from Pride and Prejudice, and – of course – the shirt from the notorious pond scene. Through the exhibited items, the show maps a range of 19th century issues such as health and hygiene, colours and materials, etiquette and status, the fashion world and couturiers.
Evening dress and coat, haute couture collection SS98 by Jean Paul Gaultier
Furthermore the accompanied catalogue created by Dutch national photographer of the year Koen Hauser and art director Maarten Spruyt features a number of remarkable photographs of contemporary fashion designs inspired by the romantic era. In addition to the classic 19th century costumes, contemporary creations from the magnificent embroidery of Jan Taminiau, to the dandified Regency designs of Vivienne Westwood, and the, often dark, romanticism of Jean Paul Gaultier and Edwin Oudshoorn will also be on display in 19th century settings.
Evening dress, collection Nature Extends, AW11 by Jantaminiau
An ensemble from Vivienne Westwood’s AW13 and SS14 collections
by Xenia Founta
The show continues until March, 22, 2015 at Gemeentemuseum Den Hag, Stadhouderslaan 41 2517 HV Den Haag
All the images by Koen Hauser and courtesy of Gemeentemuseum Den Haag.
Art direction by Maarten Spruyt